VATICAN CITY
Reuters
By Philip Pullella
VATICAN CITY, Nov 6 (Reuters) – The Vatican has issued staff with a manual on economic ethics and accountability, as part of Pope Francis’ effort to clean up the Holy See’s finances after a rash of scandals.
The 45-page Financial Management Policies was sent to all Vatican departments this week by the Secretariat for the Economy, a special unit set up earlier this year, according to an internal cover letter seen by Reuters.
The letter, signed by two cardinals, said the manual contained guidelines “that are an essential first step in the reforms of the economic and administrative practices of the Holy See, being requested by the Holy Father”.
From Jan. 1, all departments will have to enact “sound and efficient financial management policies” and prepare financial information and reports in a “consistent and transparent manner” that adhere to international accounting standards.
The manual provides “a clear framework for accountability of those entrusted with the resources of the church,” the letter declares.
The letter, and a separate, internal announcement from the Secretariat of the Economy, both say that each department’s financial statements will be reviewed by one of the world’s major international auditing firms.
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